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The fastest selling Porsche in history is not the iconic 911 but instead the humble Boxster and for good reason. No longer considered the poor mans Porsche, the 2007 Boxster and Boxster S mid-engined sports cars gain increases in both power and torque with introduction of new engines equipped with Porsche’s valve control, VarioCam Plus.

Engine displacement in the Boxster S has increased from 3.2 to 3.4 litres with power jumping to 295 horsepower up from 280. Torque is also raised 15 pound-feet, to 251 lb.-ft. The 2.7-liter Boxster engine now develops an additional 5 horsepower, bringing peak output to 245 horsepower. Torque has also increased, from 199 to 201 lb.-ft.

Rationalisation of parts sees the Boxster sharing many parts with both the 911 and Cayenne. This is not all bad, for the first time Boxster is available with 19-inch, forged alloy, two-tone wheels that were developed for the new 911 Turbo.

Synonymous with well-balanced weight distribution, solid chassis construction, and incredibly precise steering the 2007 Boxster now has the numbers to make 911 owners afraid, very afraid.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

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AUDI AG is this week launching its new RS 4 Avant and Cabriolet models, the latest high-performance products from quattro GmbH. The international launch of these two models completes the company’s range of ultimate sportscars for everyday use.

New dimensions in driving dynamics, combined with innovative ideas – plus exciting styling for all three versions and a level of equipment that lives up to even the highest luxury performance standards - the new Audi RS 4 models, combine the thoroughbred character of a pedigree sports saloon with supreme, premium-calibre everyday suitability.

This is the first time that three new RS models have appeared simultaneously. Each version represents the crowning glory of the corresponding A4 car line.

The new Audi RS 4 incorporates countless new features, many of them with their origins in the world of motor sport. Most notably, there is the V8 engine with an output of 420 bhp. This is the first time that a manufacturer has combined petrol direct injection with a high-revving concept. Engine speeds of up to 8,250 rpm are possible. Another highlight is the suspension with the latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split and Dynamic Ride Control.
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Four years on from its launch in Australia, the successful Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the best selling convertible sports car over $200,000 last year, has undergone a number of enhancements, the most significant being in the areas of technology, design and interior appointments.

The engines, powertrain and chassis have been optimised to deliver a sportier response so that the unique Roadster now offers an even more enjoyable dynamic driving experience while perpetuating the “SL legend” which has existed for over 50 years.

New V6 and V8 engines, as well as an uprated V12 powerplant, deliver assured driving pleasure. Second-generation Active Body Control and the more direct steering make for noticeably sportier handling without compromising the high level of comfort which is one of the hallmarks of the SL.

The redesigned front section, new rear light units and new light-alloy wheels reflect the more dynamic character of the revised SL even when it is stationary. New interior appointments as well as painstaking attention to the details of the new materials and colour schemes give the interior an even more luxurious look and feel. Shift paddles on the steering wheel – which form part of the optional 7G-TRONIC Sport package – underline the dynamic character of the enhanced SL-Class.

Despite the product enhancements, price increases have been kept to a minimum with the most popular model, the SL 500, remaining at the same price of $299,900.

BMW Group Australia has introduced another diesel model to its growing range of compression ignition cars.

The 2.0-litre fitted in the 120d is the first four-cylinder diesel BMW has offered in Australia.

The BMW 120d joins its fellow diesel stable mates, the 530d, X3 3.0d and X5 3.0d. In June, BMW will launch the 320d Sedan, using the same 115 kW engine.

The BMW 320d was crowned 2006 Car of the Year by the authoritative British publication ‘What Car?’

BMW Group Australia’s expansion of its diesel line-up has been the result the availability of low-sulphur diesel that blends perfectly with the high-technology BMW diesel engines and the growth in demand for diesel power plants.

In Australia, the overall passenger diesel segment has grown significantly over the past few years. In 2004 1,885 diesel passenger cars were sold throughout Australia but in 2005 demand rocketed with around 6,800 diesel passenger vehicles sold, representing an increase of 260 percent in just one year.

AUDI AG has written an important chapter in the history of motor racing with its historic triumph in the Le Mans 24 Hour race. The new Audi R10 TDI was the first diesel car to win arguably the toughest car race in the world.

In front of a record crowd of 235,000 spectators, Frank Biela (Germany), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany) clinched the sixth and most important Le Mans win for Audi so far. Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland) also achieved a podium in finishing third overall.

The fans on the race track and a worldwide audience of millions of TV viewers saw an impressive demonstration of Audi TDI Power and the performance of modern diesel engines.
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Mazda Motor Corporation will use the 2006 British International Motor Show for its global reveal of the new Mazda MX-5, now equipped with a power retractable hard top roof ** - and the regional debut of the Mazda BT-50 one-ton pickup truck.

The British International Motor Show will be held in London from Tuesday, July 18, through Sunday, July 30, 2006.

Featuring a new, unique power retractable hard top roof, this is an all-new addition to the third-generation Mazda MX-5 which has been celebrated globally since 2005. This new Mazda MX-5 model provides a unified sense of driving exhilaration, ready to spread the fun of lightweight sports cars in diverse and distinct new ways.
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A range of exterior design cues help make the new turbo Territory the sportiest SUV in the Ford world.

A bonnet scoop, dual exhaust outlets and unique five spoke alloys all play their role in differentiating the turbocharged variant of Australia’s best-selling SUV, and an exciting range of new metallic paint options add further colour choices to the Territory range.

“Turbo Territory is a progression of the journey we started with the original Territory, which traces back to 1999. This new model is a further development of this innovative model along the design continuum,” said Exterior Design Manager, Graham Wadsworth.

“Increased power, improved performance and a luxurious interior are hallmarks of the exciting new sports luxury SUV, and we have complemented these attributes with an equally fitting exterior package.”

With a power output of 115 kW and a hefty 330 Nm of torque from as low as 2000 rpm, the new 2.0-litre engine is the first turbo-diesel to be available in the 3 Series in Australia. Mated to the standard equipment BMW six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, it delivers true sports diesel performance.

Capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 8.9 seconds and with a potential maximum speed of 216 km/h, the new BMW returns a remarkable overall average fuel consumption of just 6.7-litres per 100 km – a figure that even a regular economy car would be proud to claim.

The BMW 320d and 320d Executive will be offered with equipment levels comparable with their petrol-engined stablemates.

The BMW 3 Series Diesel models share their 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant - one of the most sophisticated and most powerful diesel engines available in the segment - with the 120d.
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Chrysler has launched the wagon version of its award-winning 300C, with prices starting from only $56,990.

Having already captured more than 30 per cent of the upper large, under $100,000 segment with the 300C Sedan, the Chrysler 300C Touring grows the model’s appeal adding striking wagon proportions and expanded cargo space.

The 300C Touring shares its major attributes, design, equipment, interior appointments and technical specifications with the 300C Sedan and boasts a host of thoughtful features including a unique wide access rear liftgate.

Available with a choice of four powertrains, the 300C Touring shares the same potent engine line-up as the Sedan; a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, 5.7-litre HEMI V8 petrol engine and a Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre CRD turbo diesel engine, are all available from launch. The high performance 300C Touring SRT8 powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI V8 will arrive for sale late this year.

“The Chrysler 300C Touring must be the best looking wagon on the road today,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.

“Today’s driver doesn’t want to compromise on having a cool looking car just because they have family or business needs. The 300C Touring offers acres of cargo space without losing any of its looks and still manages to deliver with its on-road performance and great value for money.

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